Tinos Things to Do

One of the top things to do while in Tinos is visit Pyrgos, considered the most picturesque village on the island. This enchanting settlement immediately captures visitors' attention with its gorgeous marble features, from imposing marble buildings to fountains and statues in the cemetery. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and old churches live harmoniously with the marble structures and accentuate the beauty of the area. Having been the birthplace of many famed Tinian artists, Pyrgos displays its artistic history through interesting museums, art galleries, workshops, and the still-functioning School of Fine Arts. Visitors will also be able to find some traditional eateries, small cafes, and accommodations.

Explore Pyrgos

Along the coastline of Tinos lie many breathtaking beaches, beloved for their natural beauty and crystal blue waters. If you are craving an organized beach with many amenities and facilities, then you should venture out to the beaches on the south side of the island. Meanwhile, the beaches found in the northern part are well suited for those who value seclusion and serenity, as they remain mostly unbothered by big crowds and mass tourism. Here are some of the best swimming spots you will find on the island:
- Agios Ioannis Porto is one of the most popular beaches in Tinos, offering beach-goers a variety of facilities, along with cafes, beach bars, and accommodations. It is well-protected from strong winds, making it ideal for a calming swim, while the clarity of the waters makes this a popular destination amongst divers. It also lies in proximity to many more beautiful beaches, including Agios Sostis, Pachia Ammos, and Laouti.
- Kolymvithra comprises two beaches that are also referred to as Mikri and Megali Ammos (Small and Big Sand). The smaller of the two boasts most of the facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas and a canteen. The bigger beach provides a more tranquil environment but does not completely lack amenities, with umbrellas made of natural materials and a small canteen in the form of a repurposed Volkswagen bus.
- The stunning Koumelas Beach offers a wildly different experience, with its pebbly shore, crystalline waters, and impressive rock formations. It is situated next to the food of a small cliff, on top of which lies the traditional settlement of Koumelas, presenting visitors with whitewashed houses and a serene atmosphere.

Discover the beaches

Also known as Chora, Tinos Town is the capital and main harbor of the island. It is also the main tourist hub of Tinos, with a wide variety of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. These modern establishments complement the traditional buildings, Cycladic houses, and flowered courtyards that still dominate a large part of the area.

One of the best things to do while in Tinos is to walk through the streets of Chora and take in its charming ambiance, characterized by its blend of old-world aesthetics and modern developments. Make sure to visit the main shopping street of the town, known as Evengelistrias Street. The street is stone paved and presents a beautiful 18th-century marble fountain, art galleries, and a long line of shops selling local products and souvenirs.

Explore Tinos Town

Looking for a place to stay in Τinos? The island offers many lovely options! These are our favorite hotels and accommodations:
• The lovely Akti Aegeou Hotel is located on the sandy Agios Sostis Beach, just 30 meters from the waterfront. It is a complex of traditionally constructed buildings, with whitewashed walls and many amenities.
• Infinity View is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tinos Town, with comfortable rooms and modern facilities, including a saltwater swimming pool.
• For a more budget-friendly option, Golden Beach Hotel on Agios Fokas is the ideal choice, offering accommodation in spacious studios and suites.

The Best hotels in Tinos

Dovecotes are a trademark of Tinos. Even though they can be found across the Cyclades, those in Tinos stand out thanks to their large number and unique charm. Those two-level architectural masterpieces were created by Tinian craftsmen in order to provide pigeons with a home, as the birds' meat was a valuable product back in the day.

Nowadays, those buildings count to more than a thousand and their positions among verdant alleys will definitely make you want to keep wandering to discover as many as possible in a single walk! Most of them are found in the central area of the island.

More about the dovecotes

Tasting local delicacies in the many traditional restaurants of Tinos is undoubtedly one of the top things to do while on the island. Many dishes are prepared with the high-quality cheeses produced on the island, such as kopanisti and Tinian graviera, beloved country-wide for their rich tastes. Meat products such as louza (sausage made from pork tenderloin) and salsici (garlic-infused salami) are also among the local favorites. Meanwhile, no one should leave the island without trying its characteristic sweets, including the popular galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry most notably found in Pyrgos) and the mouth-watering xerotigana (honey-dipped dough strips).

Among the best places to enjoy delicious dishes are the seaside O Ntinos in Ormos Giannaki, the Itan Ena Mikro Karavi in Tinos Town, and the traditional Sto Kapaki in Dyo Choria.

The Best restaurants in Tinos

The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is one of the most important religious landmarks in Greece and the saint protector of the country. It was built in 1823 to house the miraculous icon of the Virgin, which, according to tradition, was unearthed after the Virgin Mary revealed its location to nun Pelagia.

Today, the church stands proudly atop a hill overlooking Chora and sees thousands of pilgrims every year hoping to catch a glimpse of the icon, which portrays the Virgin Mary kneeling, her head bent in prayer. Part of a larger monastery, the church boasts an all-marble exterior, white arches, and an imposing bell tower, while inside it is delightfully decorated with vibrant frescoes and old icons.

Information about Evangelistria Church

Tinos hosts an impressive collection of intriguing villages and it is virtually impossible to visit all of them in one trip.
Kardiani is certainly one of the most stunning, standing amongst the lush greenery that dominates the slopes of Mount Pateles. In proximity to Kardiani lies the equally beautiful Isternia, built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Meroviglia and offering panoramic views of the Aegean.
The settlement of Volax is one of the most unique, surrounded by gorgeous granite formations and remnants of the volcanic activity in the area.
Lush olive groves and gardens filled with artichokes can be found around the village of Arnados, while Dyo Choria is worth a visit for its medieval aesthetics and serene ambiance.

Discover the villages

Thanks to its proximity to other fantastic destinations of the island complex, Tinos is the perfect place to add to your island-hopping itinerary! With ferries connecting it with Mykonos, Syros, Andros, Paros, Naxos, even Santorini and Milos, daily during summer, take advantage of the island's convenient location and plentiful ferry connections to discover the most quaint islands in Greece - the Cyclades!

Book your ferry tickets

Tinos is often referred to as the island of art and beauty. Its rich artistic heritage is most apparent in its long-standing marble-crafting tradition, as the island has been the birthplace of some of the most notable sculptors in the country. In the Chalepas Museum, visitors can view recreations of some of the artist’s most characteristic works, along with a collection of his personal items, furniture, tools, and photographs. The Museum of Tinian Artists is housed right next door and displays the works of some of the most important artists in the history of Tinos. The Museum of Marble Crafts is another must-visit, showcasing a wide range of tools and mechanical equipment. What is more, you can attend informative marble-crafting workshops where you can learn the techniques used in this centuries-old art.

Those interested in viewing the gorgeous marble of Tinos in its purest form can also visit the breathtaking marble quarries found throughout the island.

Discover more points of interest

While the nightlife in Tinos isn’t as vibrant as in some other Cycladic islands, it still offers enough choices for a fun night out. Restaurants and bars are found in most metropolitan areas, providing visitors with delicious drinks, hearty meals, and impeccable vibes. The capital, Tinos Town, has a few clubs and bars that stay open till the early morning hours, for a livelier night of drinking and dancing. Finally, some of the most popular beaches on the island are lined with beach bars that often throw rowdy parties with live DJ performances.

The best places to eat and drink

The multi-layered history of Tinos has been well-preserved through the many historical landmarks found on the island. In addition to the intricately designed dovecotes, the many windmills of Tinos, the earliest of which date to the Venetian period, present some of the finest examples of the local architecture and traditional agricultural methods. The island also hosts numerous historical churches, both Orthodox and Catholic, including the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Jesuit Monastery and the Ursulines Monastery. For a look into the ancient history of the island, visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, one of the most important religious centers in antiquity. The Archaeological Museum in Tinos Town paints a holistic picture of that time in the island’s history, exhibiting archaeological findings from excavations conducted all over the island.

About the history of Tinos

The island is the ideal destination for thrill-seekers and water-sports enthusiasts, thanks to the strong winds that it often sees. Fans of surfing and windsurfing are sure to find many spots to ride some impressive waves, while opportunities for kitesurfing and paddleboarding are also plentiful. At Kolymvithra Beach, there is a well-equipped water sports school, catering to customers of all levels of experience and offering surfing lessons and all the essential watersports equipment.

Discover the surfing clubs

Almost every corner of Tinos has a unique story to tell and beauty to reveal. One of the best ways to explore the island is through the impressive network of walking paths that crosses it, which were originally used for easy access between villages. A total of eleven preserved hiking trails remain on the island today, with a total length of 120 km. For nature lovers and the more explorative types, walking along these trails is a must-not-miss experience. As you walk amongst amazingly green landscapes and rugged hills, you will run into picturesque villages, abandoned windmills, old dovecotes, and small churches.

Explore the local trails

Attending a local festival offers visitors the one-of-a-kind opportunity to partake in the centuries-old traditions that have shaped the culture of the island.
The feast of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August is undoubtedly the busiest celebration, attracting thousands of pilgrims from in and out of the country. It consists of various ceremonies, including an evening liturgy and a procession of the miraculous icon of the Virgin. A celebration is also held on January 30th, the anniversary of the finding of the icon, while on July 23rd, the feast day of Agia Pelagia, the icon is moved to the Monastery of Kechrovouni.

A variety of modern cultural events attract thousands of yearly visitors as well, including the Tinos Jazz Festival and the Tinos World Music Festival.

Tinos Festivals

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, like enjoying a cup of traditional Greek coffee or a glass of frappe at one of the local cafes!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: